Filtering device, filtering means, and filtration method

ABSTRACT

The Invention concerns a filter device comprising a vessel, at least one suspension feed line and one suspension removal line in each case, at least one filtrate removal line and at least one filtering means disposed in a stationary manner. According to the invention, the at least one suspension feed line is disposed in the vessel wall and/or in the vessel interior, wherein the suspension feed line is disposed such that the suspension can be supplied to the vessel tangentially and the rotating flow of the suspension which is thus produced over the filtering means prevents the surface thereof from clogging. Further, the invention concerns a filtering means. Finally, there is disclosed a filtration method, which is performed in the filter device.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a filter device, a filtering means and afiltration method.

In technical literature, the generic terms “filter devices” and “filterassemblies” designate auxiliary implements in or with which substancesdissolved in fluids or gases in any state of aggregation or suspended orcloudy materials in any form can be separated and removed from thesolvent.

The fluid to be filtered is designated the “suspension” and the cleanedfluid running through the filter is designated the “filtrate”. The solidmaterial remaining on the filter is called the “residue” and is alsodesignated the “filter cake”.

The “filtering means” designates appropriate auxiliary devices,components, coatings or tools required for the filtration. Various formsof implementation of filtering means are known from all devisablematerial combinations, plastics, ceramics or precious metals of variousporosities and basic structures.

Most frequently used are grain filters (e.g. sand or crushed dusts likeactivated carbon), filter paper or fabric filters (e.g. cloth, fleeces,textile or wire gauze fabrics), stiff porous filters (e.g. ceramicmaterials) and semi permeable or permeable membranes (also including,for example, animal hides).

A majority of known implementation forms contain one filtering means ora variety of filtering means in a generally cylindrical vessel, whichare composed either of one or more tubular or hollow-fiber individualfilters or contain a rod-shaped filter column consisting of severalfilter plates.

To increase the service life and above all to increase the filterperformance, it is known that overflowing the filter surfaces combinedwith an abrasive removal of the residue leads to an enormousproductivity increase—generally known by the term cross-flow technology.Therefore, in previous filter devices for the creation of such anadvantageous removal of residues, generally an agitator driven from theoutside over rotating mechanical seals through the vessel wall wasintegrated into the entire device, which, in addition to theadvantageous abrasion of the filter cake, also bears significantdisadvantages of these filter devices. Thus, for example, filteringmeans must be integrated into expensive rotating devices, which, inaddition to the high mass of the rotor and the filter columns, result inhigh inertia of the structure itself, high flow resistances in themovement in the fluid to be filtered and, due to inevitable imbalancesand vibrations, significant limitations in the cross flow rate, andenormous deficiencies in known filter assemblies. In general, very highenergy consumption is extremely disadvantageous. In addition, the mainconstruction difficulty, and the main error source in the event ofoperating faults, arises from the complex and high-power consumingmechanical motor driven actuation. At the same time, the attainablecross flow rate on the filter surface is limited, which in turn impairsthe removal of the filter cake that forms on the filter surface and thusthe productivity of the filter device in industrial applications. Sucharrangements are, for example, presented in patent specifications DE 4135 359 or DE 34 01 607.

A particularly disadvantageous feature of any type of revolving assemblyto agitate or rinse the filter surfaces is the inherent use of rotatingducts in the system, which are indisputably necessary, cost-intensiveand especially characterized by an unfavorable susceptibility to faultsduring the operation of the filter. Such a design is described in DE 4135 359.

Filter devices are known from DE 100 38 329 and DE 43 40 218, in whichstationary filtering means are combined with agitators. In thesedevices, the cross flow over the filtering means is achieved through themovement of the agitators.

Furthermore, a filter device is known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,724, inwhich the filtering means are stationary. In this device, the flow ofthe suspension is generated by the housing, which rotates around thefiltering means. Although the maximum surface of the filtering means canbe used on this type of filter, the problems of the rotating ducts andthe energy consumption for the rotation remain.

Finally, filter devices are known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,134 and EP 0002 422, in which the flow is generated through stationary filteringmeans by means of the feed of the suspension. In U.S. Pat. No.5,500,134, this occurs by means of a two-chamber system. The inflow ofthe suspension first occurs into the external chamber and is thenintroduced into the inner chamber through a perforated partition wall.In EP 0 002 422, the feed of the suspension occurs through a separatesuspension feed line, which is incorporated into the interior of thevessel, preferably in the middle of it. The disadvantage is that boththe suspension feed line and the removal line penetrate the filteringmeans. Therefore, not only are high manufacturing costs incurred as aresult of the filtering means design with correspondingly shapedopenings, but the feed and removal lines interrupt the flow and behindeach pipe, viewed in the flow direction, an area (the so-called“shadow”) develops on the filtering means which is not overflowed and inwhich particles can consequently be deposited. Standard discs cannot beused. The basic material may become stressed due to the numerouspenetrations of the discs for the feed and removal lines. In addition,the discs show a vibration response which deviates from standard discswith a center perforation, with the result that such discs can bedestroyed relatively quickly. Furthermore, the assembly of this filterdevice is very complicated, since the discs of the filtering means mustbe positioned precisely.

SUMMARY

In view of the previously explained problems, the object of theinvention is to provide an improved filter device, in which a locallystrengthened cross flow is generated in any filter surface and filtergeometry. In particular, the achieved cross flow should at least begenerated over large areas of the filtering means and should prevent“shadow formation”. Overall, the removal of the filter residueaccumulating on the filter surface should be improved.

This purpose is achieved by a filter device according to claim 1, afiltering means according to claim 22 and a filtration method accordingto claim 25. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subjectof the dependent claims.

The filter device, according to the invention, consists of a single ormultipart vessel, at least one suspension feed line and one suspensionremoval line respectively, at least one filtrate removal line and atleast one stationary filtering means. It is intended that the suspensionfeed line is disposed in the vessel wall and/or the vessel interior, thepurpose of such an arrangement being that the suspension can be fed intothe vessel tangentially. In other words, it is fed parallel or at anangle to the surface of the filtering means, with the angle deviatingfrom 90° to the vessel wall. The apertures of the suspension feed lineare located tangentially, so that the filtering means are cross flowedtangentially, i.e. obliquely. The removal of the suspension thereforedoes not occur perpendicular to the vessel wall at the point where theaperture begins, but at an angle deviating from the perpendicular. Inother words, the term “tangential” is understood to mean an arrangementof the apertures and an inflow direction of the suspension, which can bedescribed in more detail with the aid of a tangent. If one regards acircuit as the vessel wall or the wall of the central tube, then theboreholes, which at these intersecting points can be placed followingthe course of the tangent, are tangentially located. Due to the obliquefeed, the suspension activates a circular movement, a rotating flow,over the filtering means. The suspension feed line can be located in thevessel wall according to the invention; the suspension then flows intothe interior of the vessel accordingly from the circumference of thevessel. However, the suspension feed line can also be located in theinterior of the vessel, not only centrally but also eccentrically. Inaddition, a filter device according to the invention, can have one ormore suspension feed lines in the vessel wall and also one or moresuspension feed lines in the interior of the vessel. This arrangement isparticularly advantageous, for example, in filter assemblies with verylarge diameters, since due to the inflow of the suspension, both fromthe outside and also from the inside, the entire filter cross-sectionand thus the entire surface of the filtering means is cross flowedtangentially. This largely prevents shadow formation.

The suspension is located in a flowing state in the layers, surfaces orspaces between the filtering means, which are preferably disc-shaped.The suspension is in motion, whereby the motion has a primary flowingdirection, which may include turbulence and other superimposed flows.

Due to the stationary arrangement of the filtering means, and since norotating vessel parts or agitators are necessary to generate a flow, thefilter device, according to the invention, dispenses with all of therotating ducts which have shown themselves to be disadvantageous inday-to-day use. Furthermore, this results in a significant improvementin the energy balance. The flow of the suspension in the interior of thevessel is also not obstructed. This eliminates not only the so-calledshadow areas, in which particles can accumulate, but also the flow canspread and expand unhindered over the filtering means and contribute tothe desired abrasion of the filter cake. Due to the predominant absenceof corners and edges, an improved sterilization capability of the filterdevice also occurs, so that, for example, steam sterilization procedurescan also be used. Preferably, standard filtering means discs can be usedin the filter device, in particular ceramic hollow filter discs.Preferably, a center tube is incorporated, in which the filtrate removalline and/or the suspension feed line and/or the suspension removal lineare incorporated. The components which are not located in the centraltube are formed in the vessel wall. It thus advantageously arises thatno further perforations, except for the usual aperture in the middle ofa filter disc, must be formed in the filtering means.

The filtering means, according to the invention, consists of an innerelementary body, by means of which a filtrate is drained into a filtrateremoval line, above which a sieve or membrane is attached, through whichthe filtration process occurs. The surface of the filtering means is atleast partially profiled and/or the edge of the filtering means is atleast partially profiled, whereby the edge in particular is profiled inan undulated shape.

The filtration method, according to the invention, is performed in avessel having at least one suspension feed line and one suspensionremoval line respectively, at least one filtrate removal line and atleast one stationary filtering means. As a new feature, the suspensionflows in tangentially, under pressure, through the suspension feed linelocated in the vessel wall. The filtration method, according to theinvention, reliably eliminates deposits on the filtering means, withoutrequiring high energy consumption.

The filter device, according to the invention, preferably has a modularconstruction. It consists of individual filter modules, whereby eachfilter module has at least one suspension feed line, one suspensionremoval line, one filtering means and one filtrate removal line. Theadvantage of the modular construction is that any number of filtermodules can be combined into the filter device according to theinvention. This means that filters of different sizes and output classescan be combined.

The filter device and filtration method, according to the invention,also show a number of characteristics that are desirable for useespecially in production, and in food industries, a selection of whichare briefly summarized as follows:

-   -   High flexibility and short downtimes, among other things are        possible, based on the use of different filtering means, filter        materials and implementation forms;    -   Little effort is required in regeneration or cleaning and        therefore repeated use of the filtering means, e.g. a rapidly        and automatically backwashing of the residue from the filter        surface is possible. Sterilization processes using hot steam or        water are also possible, and a reduced use of chemical solutions        is required in any acid-based or lye-based cleaning steps;    -   Low susceptibility to failures, low maintenance requirements and        a maintenance-friendly design to achieve short set-up times and        possibly long service intervals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For the practical implementation of the invention, severalimplementation forms can be conceived, all of which are characterized bya stationary implementation of the auxiliary filtering means driven bycross flow technology. In the following section, the invention isexplained in more detail by means of embodiments with reference to theschematic drawings in the following FIGS.

It is shown:

FIG. 1: a partially sectional perspective drawing of a filter deviceaccording to the invention;

FIG. 2: a longitudinal section through an additional embodiment of afilter device;

FIG. 3: a perspective view of the filter device in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4: a plan view of the filter device of FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5: a partially sectional perspective drawing of another embodimentof a filter device according to the invention;

FIG. 6: a cross-section through still another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 7: a plan view of a filtering means according to the invention;

FIG. 8: a cross-section through still another embodiment of a filterdevice;

FIG. 9: a longitudinal section through still another embodiment of afilter device;

FIG. 10: a longitudinal section through still another embodiment of afilter device;

FIG. 11: a plan view of the filter device in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12: a partially sectional perspective drawing of a furtherembodiment of a filter device according to the invention;

FIG. 13: a functional representation of still another embodiment of theinvention; and

FIG. 14: a section along line A-A in FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the filter device 1 according to the inventionconsists of a vessel 2, in the vessel wall 7 of which several suspensionfeed lines 3 and suspension removal lines 4 are located. From theillustration, it is clear that the cross-section of the suspension feedlines 3 tapers towards the interior of the vessel 10, whereas thecross-section of the suspension removal lines 4 remains constant orwidens. In the vessel interior 10, a number of disc-shaped filteringmeans 6 are located. The filtering means are located along alongitudinal axis of the vessel 2, which coincides with the filtrateremoval line 5 in the embodiment of FIG. 1. The suspension feed line isshown by arrows 13, its removal line by arrows 14 and the outflow of thefiltrate by arrow 15. In addition, the vessel has a vessel lid 9, whichdelimits the vessel 2 in the upwards direction, and a vessel bottom 8,which delimits the vessel in the downwards direction. The vessel bottom8 is funnel-shaped in the embodiment of FIG. I and equipped with aparticle removal 11. The inflow of the suspension through the suspensionfeed lines 3 occurs tangentially. In other words, the inflow does notoccur perpendicular to the vessel wall 7, but deviating from it at anangle, or so called obliquely. Thus the suspension is accelerated overevery filtering means 6 and performs a circular movement within, asindicated by the arrows 16. It becomes apparent that every filteringmeans 6 is assigned to at least one suspension feed line 3, over thesurface of which the suspension is moved. By means of the flow of thesuspension over the filtering means 6, its surface is kept free ofparticles. Furthermore, a centrifugal effect occurs whereby inparticular, larger particles are drawn towards the perimeter area of thefiltering means 6, and at the vessel wall 7 sink to the vessel bottom 8and can thus be removed through the particle removal 11, indicated bythe arrow 12 (cyclonic effect). A floating separation therefore occursas a result of the rotating movements of the suspension to be filteredover the surface of the filtering means and the thus active centrifugalforces, which in turn leads to the evacuation of loosened or dissolvedfiltering residues and suspended matter. These are directed into an areawhere they can either be concentrated or locally suctioned off and donot immediately lead to the congestion of the filter surfaces, forexample if they can flow into the edge areas or into a retention area inthe vessel, in the embodiment the vessel bottom 8, which wouldcontribute to a significant increase in the operating life. The use ofinlet devices consisting of one or more nozzles, the suspension feedlines 3, due to the considerably reduced cross-section of typically afew millimeters, leads to increased flow rates and—by including specialdesigns (e.g. a spin)—to a significantly improved removal of filterresidues on the filter surface by means of abrasion. The cross flowvelocity thus reaches many times the speed that would otherwise bereached with agitators, specifically by the use of Venturi nozzles. Thesuspension feed lines 3 can consist of one or several individual nozzlesor can consist of configurations of several nozzles (e.g. swiveling orquasi-stationary comb structures). They are located punctiformly atdifferent positions of the vessel 2 and can, if necessary, be addressedby different pressures, diameters and flow rates to influence andincrease the flow form and cross flow rates on the surface of thefiltering means in a calculated manner. The suspension is filtered bythe filtering means 6 to the filtrate removal line 5. It should be notedthat the filtrate removal line 5 can also proceed through the vesselbottom 8 or the vessel wall 7, not only through the vessel lid 9 asshown. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, in the interests of greaterpresentability, only a few filtering means 6 and their associatedsuspension feed lines 3 and removal lines 4 are shown. However, merelydepending on the desired filter output and the spatial circumstances, analmost discretionary number of filtering means 6 can be located on topof each other and the suspension feed and removal lines 3, 4 assignedaccordingly. Furthermore, several stacks of filtering means may also belocated within one housing. In FIG. 1, only one suspension feed line 3and one corresponding suspension removal line 4 per filtering means areshown. However, a provision is made for the fact that multiple pipes aredistributed horizontally and almost evenly over the vessel wall 7. Byproviding several, in particular two to fifty such suspension feed lines3 per filtering means 6, an effective cross flow of the filtering means6 is achieved. If these pipes are uniformly distributed over the fullextent of the vessel 2, this effect is further enhanced. Furthermore,the suspension feed lines 3 assigned to a filtering means 6 can belocated at various heights, whereby the inflow of the suspension isvaried, which further improves abrasion of the particles (see FIG. 9).Generally speaking, the filter is arranged so that two degrees offreedom—pressure and flow rate—are available as independent, freelyconfigurable parameters, so as to influence both the filter output andthe degree of residue removal (so-called abrasion) of the filter surfaceby means of a “cross-flow”. The influence parameters are set by means ofthe flow rate and the pressure conditions in the vessel 2, as well as inthe suspension feed and removal lines. The filtration method may beextended by additional regeneration or cleaning steps, respectively.Thus, by means of pulsating the flow rate, pulse-type air admixture,ultrasound or other mechanical means of inducing vibration in parts ofthe filter device I or the complete assembly (e.g. vibrating bearings,vibrating units, oscillators, imbalances, eccentric tappets, etc.) animprovement of the abrasion can be achieved.

By means of FIG. 1, an additional embodiment of the invention isdescribed. The filter device I according to the invention can haveappropriately sized rotation bodies between the individual filteringmeans 6. These rotation bodies are floating objects, which for exampletake the form of discs, rings, balls, pyramids or rectangular prisms.They are moved with the flow and, due to their rolling friction or thecross-sectional taper caused by them, lead to locally increased crossflow rates on the filter surface and improved abrasion of the filterresidue of the filter surface.

FIGS. 2 to 4 show another embodiment of the invention. Filter device 100is a filter device of a modular construction. Thus individual filterdevice modules are located on top of each other, or behind each other,so that they form a so-called column. This is advantageous, since thefilter device can be expanded and its filtration performance cantherefore be increased by simply adding one or more additional moduleswithout the need for more extensive conversion measures or even thereplacement of the entire filter device by one with a higher filtrationperformance. Naturally, the same also applies when downsizing the filterdevice. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2 to 4, three filter modules 101,110, 120 are arranged, one behind the other. Each individual filtermodule 101, 110, 120 respectively contains a filtering means 106. Thefiltrate is removed through the filtrate removal line 105, indicated bythe arrow 115. Furthermore, for each filter module 101, 110, 120,separate suspension feed lines 103 and suspension removal lines 104 areprovided. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, either one suspension feed andremoval line only, or a large number of them can be provided for eachfilter module. Each suspension feed line 103 and each suspension removalline 104 empties into a suspension collection feed line 123 or asuspension collection removal line 124, by means of which the suspensionis centrally fed to the filter module 101, 110, 120 (arrow 113) ordrained off (arrow 114), respectively. By successively arrangingmultiple filter modules 101, 110, 120, the suspension collection pipes123, 124 are located on top of each other, and the suspension is fedthrough them to the filter device 100. To seal the collection lines,gaskets (not shown) can be used. In the embodiment in FIG. 2 to 4, onlyone filtering means 106 per filter module 101, 110, 120 is provided.However, several filtering means 106 can also be combined in one module.In principle, units of filtering means 106 are joined together by themodular construction, which can then be located with other modules intoa filter device 100. Such a unit, for example, could comprise a 1 m²filter surface. Furthermore, for example, modules can also be arrangedin a row, and the filtering means of such modules can have differentfiltration characteristics, such as a different pore size. The filtratesof the individual modules can then be fed to the closest related moduleas a suspension, and a large number of filtration steps can be performedin an individual filter device. The filtering means 106 can be attachedto each filter module 101, 110, 120 over the filtrate removal line 105,similar to the filter device 1 in FIG. 1. In deviation from this, it isintended that the filtering means 106 are alternatively or additionallyattached in the vessel wall 107. This is advantageous, if filteringmeans 106 with a comparatively large diameter must be used. By attachingthe filtering means 106 in the edge area, a vibration of the filteringmeans 106 in use, i.e. during the filtration process, is prevented orreduced, which reduces the risk of breaking of the filtering means 106,which is of particular importance in ceramic filters. If necessary,another gasket (not shown) is provided for such an attachment, toguarantee the sealing of the modules against each other. The filtermodules 101, 110, 120 are linked to one another by means of a screwjoint 119 or similar fastener. In the illustration in FIG. 4, anembodiment of an arrangement of suspension feed lines 103 and suspensionremoval lines 104 is shown. It is clear, that they are tangentiallylocated, so that both the inflow and also the outflow of the suspensionoccur tangentially. All suspension feed lines 103 and suspension removallines 104 are equally aligned in FIG. 4, i.e. the suspension feed lines103 are aligned left-hand tangentially, and the inflow therefore occursin a clockwise direction, and the suspension removal lines 104 arealigned right-hand tangentially, so that the outflow of the suspensionoccurs in counter-clockwise direction. It is however intended that boththe suspension feed lines 103 and also the suspension removal lines 104are identically aligned, i.e. for example both in the clockwisedirection or both in the counter-clockwise direction. Furthermore, it isintended that the suspension feed lines 103 and/or suspension removallines 104 are aligned variably one below the other. Thus, for example,each second suspension feed line 103 and/or suspension removal line 104can be aligned left-hand tangentially and the remaining ones right-handtangentially.

In FIG. 5, another embodiment of a filter device 200 is shown in aperspective, partially sectional illustration. The filter device 200 hasa vessel 202, which consists of the vessel wall 207, the vessel lid 209and the vessel bottom 208. In the vessel wall 207, suspension feed lines203 are located (arrow 213). The suspension feed lines 203 reach intothe vessel interior 210, between the filtering means 206. There theyflow the suspension over nozzles 223 onto the surfaces 216 of thefiltering means 206. The filtering means 206, as in all otherembodiments of the invention, have a stationary arrangement. Eachsuspension feed line 203 can be equipped with several or even only onenozzle 223; in the embodiment in FIG. 5, there are three nozzles. Thesuspension feed lines 203 can thus have a stationary or swiveling orrotating design. Since the suspension is flowed in over the filteringmeans 206, a flow is generated on its surface 216, which is continuedthere and prevents the deposition of particles and removes depositedparticles, respectively, thus preventing the formation of a filter cake.Here too, the suspension inflow occurs tangentially. The suspension isnot applied perpendicularly on the filtering means 206, but ratherobliquely, as is clearly apparent from FIG. 5. The tangential inflowensures that the flow on the filtering means 206 continues and thusperforms the desired abrasion over a specific surface. The outflow ofthe suspension (arrow 214) occurs via the axis of the vessel 202. Notonly the filtrate removal line 205 (arrow 215) is located there, butalso the suspension removal line. In the area of filtering means,numerous suspension removal lines 204 empty into the central suspensioncollection removal line 224. As in the embodiments in FIG. 1 to 4, thefilter device 200 for each filtering means 206 possesses severalsuspension feed and removal lines, which in particular are evenlydistributed over the surface of the vessel 202 or its axis.

FIG. 6 shows a section through a filter device 300 and a plan view ofit. It possesses a vessel, in which at least one filtering means 306 islocated. In the vessel wall 307, suspension feed lines 303 andsuspension removal lines 304 are located, which respectively empty intosuspension collection feed lines 323 and removal lines 324,respectively. For the removal of the filtrate, a filtrate removal line305 is provided. The vessel wall 307 has several indentations 330. Theseare rounded and their number is discretionary. The suspension feed lines303 are preferably located in the area of that indentation 330 which isfurthest away from the filtrate removal line 305, on the waist, as itwere, of the indentation 330. On the other hand, the suspension removallines 304 are preferably located where the indentation 330 is closest tothe filtrate removal line 305. In addition to the indentations 330 onthe vessel wall 307, indentations 340 on the central tube 341 are alsoprovided. The “waists” of the indentations 340 are preferably almostopposite the “waists” of the indentations 330, whereby a slightdisplacement to each other has proved to be advantageous regarding theflow of the suspension. The indentations 330 and 340 contribute to theimprovement of the flow on the filtering means 306 and thus in thevessel interior. The flow 350 caused by the suspension feed lines 303 isshown by the arrows. Each suspension feed line 303 fulfils a dualfunction, firstly feeding new suspension into the vessel and secondlyaccelerating the suspension already inside the vessel. From the flowdiagram in FIG. 6, it transpires that the filtering means 306 has alarge surface area and is cross flowed over both the internal andexternal areas of the filtering means 306. The abrasive characteristicsof the filter device, according to the invention are therefore furtherimproved as a result of the advantageous vessel geometry. Theindentations 330 and 340 can also be appropriately designated as waves,dents or protrusions. They are therefore local, shell-shaped concavitieswhich can stretch over sections of the vessel wall 307 or the centraltube 341. They are therefore rounded, trough-shaped or even circulardepressions located in the vessel wall 307 and/or the central tube 341.The surface structure of the vessel wall 307 and the central tube 341therefore resembles the surface of a golf ball with a large number ofdimples. On the other hand, the indentations 330 and 340 can also extendover larger areas of the vessel wall 307 and central tube 341, in whichcase a vertical expansion is preferable. The indentations are thenshaped more like grooves, so that the surface of the inner vessel wallresembles the surface of a washboard. If a modular construction is used,individual modules can be linked by means of the boreholes 319.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a filtering means 60 according to theinvention. The filtering means 60 is a disc-shaped filtering means inthe form of a round disc. The filtering means 60 has a surface 61 and anedge 62. According to the invention, the surface 61 is equipped withprofiles or fluting 63. This fluting 63 runs from the center 64 to theedge 62 of the filtering means 60, or the other way around. Thesuspension is thus guided over the surface 61 of the filtering means 60.The fluting 63 is therefore designed so that it can be used to controlthe flow. Depending on the direction of the inflow, the flow is guidedover the surface, either in a direction from the center 64 to the edge62 or vice versa. In FIG. 7, both flow directions are shown by the flowarrows 70 and 73. In the fluting manner shown in FIG. 7, an inflow inclockwise direction leads to a flow from the center 64 to the edge 62(arrow 70), and in the filter device therefore from the middle of thevessel to the vessel wall. If, on the other hand, the inflow occurstangentially in the counter-clockwise direction, then this results in aflow from the edge 62 towards the centre 64 (arrow 73), which thereforecauses a flow in the filter device from the vessel wall to the middle ofthe vessel. Moreover, the fluting 63 on the surface 61 causesturbulences, shown by the arrows 72. These “micro flows” on the surface61 of the filtering means 60 promote the removal of particles. Thefiltering means 60, in addition to the fluting of the surface 61, alsohas a profiled edge 62. The edge 62 is wavy, and possesses swellings andindentations accordingly. This fluting also causes turbulence in thesuspension, shown by the arrow 71. This also leads to an improvement inthe particle abrasion. The fluting of the surface 61 and the edge 62 canbe provided either cumulatively or alternately. Furthermore, both theentire surface 61 and/or the entire edge 62 can be profiled, and/or onlypartial sections of it. The fluting may, for example, have the form of acorrugated surface, structural patterns (e.g. prism-shaped ordent-shaped embossing or depressions), or helical or arbitrarilyarranged grooves. They lead to localized flows and intensified abrasionand thus a targeted, spatially controllable increase in the cross flows,and permit the removal of the filter cake from the filter surface. Thefiltering means 60 is embodied as a rotationally symmetrical round disc.The fluting of the surface, however, may also be provide on otherfiltering means, for example, on disc-shaped filtering means of othertypes, e.g. cassette-shaped and also cylindrical filtering means. Thefiltering means 60 is preferably a ceramic filter, composite materialfilter, in particular made from plastic, or a metal fiber filter. Inparticular, innovative filtering means can also be used, e.g. vitreousmaterials or metals, which are endowed with a foam like structure bymeans of special processing. Furthermore, the use of innovativefiltering means is envisioned, in which micromechanical porosity isachieved by means of appropriate processing of an otherwise impermeablematerial or component, e.g. specific micro perforation of thinstainless-steel foils, ion bombardment or plasma treatment of thinmembranes, etc. The use of hollow ceramic filter discs, which possess aconsiderably improved heat resistance, is preferable. This results in asubstantially simplified possibility of cleaning or regenerating thefiltering means, for example with steam, hot or reactive gases, othermixtures or by means of pyrolysis via the controlled combustion ofinorganic or organic filter residues. In addition, it becomes possibleto achieve sterilization, which is absolutely necessary in the food andhealthcare industries. Moreover, the temperature stability permits thefiltration of a hot filtration material. Furthermore, ceramic filtershave the advantage that backwashing becomes possible. In this way, thefiltrate or suspension is fed back through the filtrate removal line tothe vessel, the flow direction effectively being reversed. Such abackwashing step can be integrated into the filtration process as aspecial washing step. Ceramic filters thus permit the use of relativelyhigh pressures, resulting in a significantly more efficient and fasterfree washing or backwashing of the filter assemblies. Filtering meansaccording to the invention generally have an internal carrier, in whichthe propagation of the filtrate towards the filtrate removal lineoccurs, with a membrane above it, the pore size of which determines thefiltration, so-called hollow filter discs. The filtering means 60 can bedomed in a conical or bulging shape. Thus, for example, the surface 61can be convex or concave.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a filter device 400 according to theinvention. The filter device 400 also has a vessel, of which only thevessel wall 407 is depicted in FIG. 8. The inflow and outflow ofsuspension occurs via the suspension feed lines 403 and suspensionremoval lines 404, respectively, which are located in the vessel wall407. The inflow thus occurs tangentially in a clockwise orcounter-clockwise direction, making gravity separation possible.Moreover, the filter device 400 has at least one centrally locatedfiltering means 406. The filtrate is removed through the filtrateremoval line 405. The vessel of the filtration device 400 now includestwo vessel compartments 410, 411. These form chambers, which areseparated from each other by the partition 420. In the partition 420 areprovided perforations 421, by means of which the two vessel compartments410, 411 are joined to each other. These perforations 421 may havedifferent shapes. They can therefore be simple openings, they can runobliquely, as in the embodiment of FIG. 8, and they can also vary withina partition 420. Within the filter device 400, two kinds of flow cyclesare now generated, a primary cycle and a secondary cycle. The suspensionwhich flows in through the suspension feed lines 403 will first move ina circular path in the vessel compartment 410 and form the so-calledprimary cycle indicated by the arrow 413. However, the suspension ispartially diverted by the perforations 421 in the partition 420 andguided into the vessel compartment 411, shown by the arrows 416 anddesignated as secondary cycle. Here the flow reaches the filtering means406, where it continues and protects the filtering means 406 against theaccumulation of particles. The advantageous aspect is that, the largerparticles are separated by the centrifugal effect of the tangentiallyinflowing suspension in the primary cycle. The separated particles aremoved in the direction of the vessel bottom, where they can be releasedby means of a bleed valve. The larger particles therefore do not evenreach the filtering means 406, but rather are already separated out atan earlier stage. As an alternative to a partition 420 with perforations421, deflectors can also be provided which cause a separation of theflow into two circuits and guide the flow onto the filtering means. Inthe embodiment in FIG. 8, it can be useful that the filter device 400only has one suspension feed and removal line each, since the suspensionis uniformly distributed by the guidance of the flow as a primary andsecondary cycle in the vessel, and a pressure increase occurs by passingit through the perforations 421 into the vessel compartment 411, wherebythe suspension experiences an acceleration.

FIG. 9 shows a systematic illustration of a longitudinal section throughanother embodiment of a filter device 500, according to the invention,in modular form. As already indicated in the remarks for FIG. 1, it isanticipated that at least the suspension feed lines, but also thesuspension removal lines, can be located at various heights, or in otherwords at various levels around the circumference of the vessel. In FIG.9, an embodiment of such a filter device is shown. For the sake ofgreater presentability, only the suspension feed lines 530, 531, 532 and533 have been illustrated; the suspension removal lines are not shown.However, they can be designed in a customary way, i.e. as described inthe remaining Figs., and can also be relocated similar to the suspensionfeed lines 530-533. Moreover, in FIG. 9, only one module is shown,including a filtering means 506, vessel wall 507, suspension collectionfeed lines 523, suspension feed lines 530-533 and filtrate removal line505. In addition, the filtering means 506′ of the module is also shown,which is located above the one shown. In the vessel wall 507,distributed around the circumference of the vessel, there are severalsuspension feed lines 530-533. These are located in relation to eachother at different heights of the vessel. The suspension feed lines 530and 533 are at roughly the same height, indicated by the dashed anddotted line Z. On the other contrary, the suspension feed line 531 islocated somewhat above this level and the suspension feed line 532somewhat below it. The suspension is first fed into the suspensioncollection feed lines 523 (arrows 513), from where it is fed through thesuspension feed lines 530-533 to the interior of the vessel, where itflows over the filtering means 506 and over the lower side of thefiltering means 506′. The inner vessel wall 512 can also be structuredas the axis of the filtrate removal line 505, as described in FIG. 6.The removal of the filtrate is shown by the arrow 515. Since thesectional illustration provides a plan view of the inner vessel wall512, the suspension collection feed lines 523 of the suspension feedlines 531 and 532 are shown as dashed lines. They are located in orbehind the vessel wall 507. The same applies to the suspension feedlines 531 and 532 with only their outlets visible, and a reducedcross-section in comparison to the feed line (see suspension feed lines530, 533), and the remainder is also shown in a dashed line.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show another embodiment of the invention. The filterdevice 600 has a number of filtering means 606. The filtrate isdischarged through the filtrate removal line 605, indicated by the arrow615. Furthermore, each filtering means 606 is assigned to suspensionfeed lines 603 and suspension removal lines 604. Each suspension feedline 603 and each suspension removal line 604 empties into a suspensioncollection feed line 623 or a suspension collection removal line 624,respectively, through which the suspension is fed into (arrow 613) ordrained off from (arrow 614) the filter device 600. The filtering means606 can be attached by means of the filtrate removal line 605, i.e.centrally mounted. Deviating from this, it is intended that thefiltering means 606 are alternatively or additionally fixed in thevessel wall 607. In the illustration in FIG. 11, an embodiment of anarrangement of suspension feed lines 603 and suspension removal lines604 is shown. It becomes clear, that these are tangentially arranged, sothat both the inflow and also the outflow of the suspension occurtangentially. The suspension feed lines 603 and suspension removal lines604 are variably aligned in FIG. 11. The suspension feed lines 603 a and603 c are identically, in fact left-hand tangentially orientated, andthe inflow therefore occurs in the counter-clockwise direction. Thesuspension feed lines 603 b and 603 d, on the other hand, are right-handtangentially orientated, so that the inflow occurs in clockwisedirection. The same applies to the suspension removal lines 604 a and604 c, which are right-hand tangentially aligned, whereas the suspensionremoval lines 604 b and 604 d are located left-hand tangentially. It ishowever also intended that both the suspension feed lines 603 and alsothe suspension removal lines 604 are identically orientated, i.e. forexample both in the clockwise direction or both in the counter-clockwisedirection. Furthermore, it is intended that the suspension feed lines603 a-d and/or suspension removal lines 604 a-d are orientatedidentical, but vary in their orientation to each other. Thus, forexample, all of the suspension feed lines 603 a-d can be orientatedleft-hand tangentially and the suspension removal lines 604 a-d can beorientated right-hand tangentially. It is anticipated that the filterdevice 600 should have an agitator member 650, which is shown hatched inFIGS. 10 and 11. The agitator member 650 is driven by the flow, which isgenerated by the tangential inflow. Thus the surface of the filteringmeans 606 is freed of deposits, which prevents the formation of a filtercake. Similar to the rotating elements described in FIG. 1, the agitatormember 650 is moved over the filtering means 606 and driven by means ofthe flow of the suspension, also, thus its movements are passive, incontrast to the state of the art agitator members. The agitator member650 can have various embodiments, so it can be shaped like a blade, asshown in FIG. 11, or like a brush or a strip. Furthermore, the number ofblades, brushes or strips can be varied. In the embodiment in FIG. 11,four blades 651 are shown. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, it can becentrally mounted. However, it can also have a floating design, similarto the above-described abrasive bodies, or it can be mounted at thecircumference. FIG. 10 shows the course of the suspension during thefiltration process in the filter device 600. The suspension is fedthrough the suspension collection feed line 623 into the individualsuspension feed lines 603 (arrow 613), where it enters the interior 610of the vessel 602. From there it is filtered through the filtering means606. The filtrate drains off through the filtrate removal line 605,shown by the arrow 615. Unfiltered suspension is fed through thesuspension removal lines 604 to the suspension collection removal lines624, where its central outflow occurs (arrow 614). Solids and particleswhich may accumulate can be drained off through a particle removal 611in the vessel bottom 608 (arrow 612). The filter device 600 can also bedesigned with a modular construction, as described under FIGS. 2 to 4.Furthermore, the surface can be structured, similar to the version inFIG. 6.

In FIG. 12, another preferred embodiment of the invention is shown.Equivalent parts are therefore provided with the same reference signs asin FIG. 1, so that, in these cases, it is referred to the descriptionthere. The inflow of the suspension now does not occur throughsuspension feed lines in the vessel wall (see reference sign 3 in FIG.1), but rather through the central tube 750. For this purpose, thelatter has a central suspension feed line 730. The suspension is thenremoved through tangential apertures 733 and put into flow over thefiltering means 6. These apertures 733 can be designed as nozzles, inparticular in the form of a point nozzle, a flat nozzle or a nozzle witha mobile, in particular rotating, nozzle jet. These apertures or nozzlesare also located so that the suspension can be fed tangentially into thevessel interior. Therefore, the longitudinal axis of the nozzles is notperpendicular to the surface, which is parallel to the origin of thenozzle 733 on the suspension feed line 730, but rather at an angledeviating from it. The apertures 733 or nozzles of the suspension feedline 730 are, in other words, obliquely located and orientated. Thecentral tube 750 also houses the filtrate removal line 5. As in theembodiment of FIG. 1, the filtrate removal line 5 is linked to thefiltering means 6, so that the filtered suspension, the filtrate, movesfrom the filtering means 6 into the filtrate removal line and cantherefore be drained off from the filter device 1 or 700, respectively.The central tube is designed in a chambered form, has two apertures slidinto each other and equipped with corresponding connections, or containstwo or more side-by-side tubes, so that both the filtrate output and thesuspension input can be performed through this central tube.

Another embodiment of the invention can be explained by means of FIGS. 1and 12. It is intended that the suspension is supplied from the vesselwall 7, as described under FIG. 1 (reference sign 3). However, theoutflow of the suspension now does not occur through the suspensionremoval lines located in the vessel wall 7, as in FIGS. 1 and 12, butrather through the central tube 750. Instead of the central suspensionfeed line 730, a central suspension removal line is now provided in thecentral tube. Accordingly, the central tube of such an embodimentpossesses both the filtrate removal line and the suspension removal linein the central tube. It is therefore also designed in a chambered form,has two apertures slid into each other and equipped with correspondingconnections, or contains two or more side-by-side tubes, so that boththe filtrate output and the suspension output can be performed throughthis central tube. The apertures 733 then feed the suspension to thecentral suspension removal line, located in the central tube.

On principle, it can also be entertained to create a filter device inwhich all of the inflows and outflows are located in the central tube,i.e. both the filtrate removal line and also the suspension feed andremoval lines.

Another embodiment of the invention can be explained by means of FIGS. 1and 12. It is anticipated that a vibration generator, or exciter, islocated in the central tube 750. This vibration generator generatesvibrations of a specific frequency. Thus the filter device 1 or 700,respectively, is put into vibration. In particular, the filtering means6 are put into vibration. By the vibration of the filtering means,accumulations are further prevented. As soon as particles are depositedon it, not only will the tangential flow remove them but also the slightvibration of the filtering means, in particular the ceramic hollowfilter discs. The vibration generated by the vibration generator canhave different frequencies, whereby the frequency with the best cleaningproperties can be easily determined by means of experimentation. Inparticular, it may also lie in the ultrasound range. In experiments withcommercially available ceramic hollow filter discs with a diameter of312 mm, a frequency of approx. 50 Hz emerged as particularly favorable.

Another embodiment of the invention can be explained by means of FIGS. 1and 12. It is anticipated that, as in filter assemblies known in thestate of the art, the filtering means stack performs a rotationalmovement. This rotational movement can be driven by a motor, firstly.However, the drive can also be achieved by the flow of the suspension.The suspension is fed into the vessel at a particular pressure, forexample one bar. A fluid stream arises, which can set a filtering meansstack or an individual filtering means into a rotary motion. Through therotation of the filtering means, shadow formation is further prevented.Each area of a disc of filtering means is therefore always in afavorable alignment to the suspension feed line. Particles which mayhave been deposited on the surface of the filtering means are thereforealways carried away.

Finally, FIGS. 13 and 14 show yet another embodiment of the invention.The filter device 800 again has a central tube 802, through which thefiltrate removal is performed, shown by the arrow 15. The filtrateoutflow occurs through filtrate removal lines and the filtratecollection removal line 815. The feed of the suspension occurs throughthe central tube 802, indicated by the arrows 13. For this purpose,central suspension feed lines 803 with corresponding apertures 813 areprovided in the central tube. The suspension thus leaves the centralsuspension feed line 803 through the apertures 813. However, surroundingthe central tube 802 there are now inflow part 820 between the filteringmeans 806. These consist of a annular bearing 821, which surrounds thecentral tube 802. However, the ring-shaped bearing 821 is not firmlyattached to the central tube 802, but rather it only surrounds itloosely, i.e. the inflow part 820 is rotatable. In addition, it also hasprolongations 822, in which the suspension feed line 830 runs. Thissuspension feed line ends in the apertures 833. Furthermore, apertures835 can also be provided at the rotatable bearing 821. Further, thesuspension leaving the apertures 813 is led with the aid of the inflowpart 820. On the one hand, the suspension exits through the apertures835 and thus flows over the filtering means 806. This is shown by thearrow 33. On the other hand, the suspension enters the suspension feedline 830 and is led over a part of the filtering means 806. Thesuspension leaves the suspension feed line 830 through the apertures833, indicated by the arrows 37 and 38. As clearly shown in FIG. 14, thesuspension is therewith channeled directly to specific areas of thefiltering means 806. By the inflow of the suspension, a rotatingmovement of the inflow part 820 occurs, whereby the filtering means 806is uniformly overflowed. This rotating movement of the inflow part 820is illustrated by the arrow 20. In other words, the inflow parts 820 aredevices or elements with which the suspension can be led over thefiltering means 806. Suitable for use as such elements, for example, areshort line sections or prolongations 822, with apertures 833, which aredirected towards the filtering means surface. These lines protrude fromthe central tube 802 in the direction of the circumference of thefiltering means, in the manner of spokes. They are preferably mountedrotatable, whereby, however, the drive for the rotating movement doesnot result from energy-consuming devices, such as motors, etc., butrather these inflow parts 820 turn themselves, caused by the blowout ofthe suspension. By the blowout of the suspension a rotational movementof the inflow parts 820 is effected whereby the entire filtering meanssurface is overflowed over the time und is thereby kept free fromresidues evenly. As an alternative to the described lines orprojections, elements in different shapes with apertures can also beused, whereby the apertures are located so that the suspension is ledover the filtering means. Propeller-type, star-shaped or saw blade-likearrangements can be named as an example. The inflow parts can also beprovided in addition to the above-mentioned apertures through which theinflow occurs.

Moreover, the filtering means group of the filter device 800 is notdirectly surrounded by a vessel, for example as in FIG. 1 (see referencesign 2). The filter device 800 thus represents an alternative to thepreviously described filter devices, each of which have one vessel. Incertain application areas, such an embodiment can be advantageous, forexample, in areas where filtration must only be performed at negativepressure. The necessary negative pressure can be achieved, for example,with the use of a suction pump. The filter device 800 can then beinserted into a vessel containing the suspension, which vessel can thenbe regarded as the vessel of the filter device. The filter device 800 istherefore directly in the suspension and is surrounded by it. Thisdesign is more cost-effective in comparison to the other designs. Notonly is the housing, which surrounds the filtering means group dispensedwith, but also the suspension removal lines, since the filter device islocated directly in the suspension. This variant of the filter device,according to the invention, is particularly well-suited to filterdevices which provide the flow direction from the interior to thecircumference of the filtering means, such as for example the filterdevice 800 in FIGS. 13 and 14. However, a filter device with a reverseflow direction, as shown for example in FIG. 1, can also be designed assuch a variant. To achieve this, around the circumference of thefiltering means, either a cylindrical double wall is provided, which hasapertures that point into the interior of the filtering means group, orsuspension feed lines in the form of pipelines are arranged around thefiltering means, which also have apertures, through which the suspensionis expelled.

Finally, for a longer guidance of the tangential flow around thefiltering means group, a guide ring 810 can be provided. This ispreferably open at the top and bottom; it is therefore not an elementcomparable with the vessel 2. The guide ring 810 preferably has the formof a cylindrical wall, as shown in FIG. 14. However, the guide ring canalso have other forms. Thus, with the aid of a special shape of theguide ring 810, the suspension can be guided so that eddies and vorticesare generated (cyclonic effect). Moreover, it is possible to draw offvarious phases of the suspension. In a funnel-shaped design of the guidering 810, light substances, e.g. oils, are collected in the area of thefunnel. In a waisted design, i.e. expanded on top and at the bottom andconstricted in the middle, lighter substances will be collected on topand substances with a higher density will be collected beneath.Therefore, the solids and suspended matter contained in the suspension,or the other fluids to be separated out, are not only separated from thefiltrate, but are also simultaneously fractionated. In addition, theguide ring 810 can also have indentations, corners, edges, etc., similarto the vessel of the filter device 300, by means of which the flow andits direction are changed. Finally, at the top or bottom of the guidering 810, a cover or floor can also be provided. Thereby the suspensionleaves the filter device 800 at the top or bottom of the filter device.Through the narrowing of the outlet, the suspension is possiblyaccelerated, so that it is vortexed. A cylindrical guide ring 810 causesthe suspension to be held for longer periods over the surface of thefiltering means 806, since the suspension flow bounces off the wall andis led back onto the filtering means. Therefore, in the described filterdevice, within the comparatively large volume of a vessel surroundingthis, e.g. a container with fluid, a small space is created, the contentof which can be kept easily in motion by the flow of the suspension.Thus the cleaning effect is further improved. However, the guide ring810 can also be dispensed with; the cleaning performance of thevesselless filter device 800 according to the invention is stillsufficient to keep the surface of the filtering means 806 free ofresidues.

For an additional improvement of the filter cake removal, a gas feedpipe can be provided. This can, for example, be identical to an overflowpipe (not shown) provided in vessel 2. Through this gas feed pipe, gas,in particular air, is fed into the interior of the vessel 10. This airfeed can be occurred either temporarily, in particular at intervals, orcontinuously. Through the introduction of air, for example at a slightoverpressure, the flow rate increases at a constant pump performance andconstant total pressure. Furthermore, turbulences are formed, wherebythe filter cake is loosened. The duration of the air entry can be veryshort; an injection of air in the range of several seconds has alreadybeen proven to be sufficient in experiments. However, the air feed canalso proceed for longer or even continuous intervals, which ultimatelydepends on the suspension to be filtered. The minimum amount of airapplied in one to several seconds is already sufficient to vortex thedeposited particles and bring them into suspension. The water column isvortexed through the bursting and reforming air bubbles. The gas feedpipe can be identical to already available components, for example theoverflow pipe, as implemented above. Similarly, it could also, forexample, be identical to a suspension feed line. Finally, a separate gasfeed pipe can also be used.

In the embodiments, numerous vessel forms have already been illustrated.However, preferably the vessel interior is cylindrical in its basicshape, since this prevents the undesirable deposition of particles. Theshapes can deviate from this if, for example, the indentations 330, 340shown in FIG. 6 are added. Furthermore, other vessel shapes are alsoconsidered to be strictly cylindrical, e.g. conical, centrally tapering,or having horizontal circumferential, ring-shaped indentations. Thesehorizontal circumferential indentations are indentations in the vesselwall, in which particles carried to the vessel wall by centrifugal forceare collected (cyclonic effect).

The entire filter device can be designed as a fully ceramic filter. Thismeans that all parts can basically be manufactured from ceramics. Incustomary state of the art filter devices, this was not possible, sinceat least one part was always rotating, and therefore not to beincorporated as a ceramic part, or only with great difficulty. Thisresults in a number of advantages. The fully ceramic filter device canbe sterilized substantially more conveniently or at all, respectively,than in the known devices. Not only can comparatively high temperaturesbe used, but also more aggressive procedures and disinfectants, whichmay attack metals, for example. As for the fully ceramic filteringmeans, the cleaning or regeneration of the fully ceramic filter deviceis also possible with steam, hot or reactive gases or by means ofpyrolysis.

In all of the embodiments shown in the Figs., the filtering means stackwas shown such that its axis was vertically located. In other words, thefiltering means stack stands in the filter device. However, it is alsopossible, without reducing the advantageous abrasive removal, toposition the stack of filtering means lying, so that its axis runshorizontally or at an angle deviating from the horizontal. An inclinedarrangement is advantageous for ventilation processes, for example.

1. Filter device comprising a vessel, at least one suspension feed lineand one suspension removal line in each case, at least one filtrateremoval line and at least one filtering means disposed in a stationarymanner, wherein the at least one suspension feed line is disposed in awall in the vessel and/or in an interior of the vessel, wherein the atleast one suspension feed line is disposed such that a suspension can besupplied to the vessel tangentially and the rotating flow of thesuspension which is thus produced over the filtering means prevents thesurface thereof from clogging.
 2. Filter device according to claim 1,wherein the filtering means is at least one of disc-shaped and a ceramichollow filter disc.
 3. Filter device according to claim 1, wherein theat least one suspension feed line is disposed in the vessel wall and thesuspension removal line is disposed in the vessel wall and/or in atleast one of the vessel interior and a central tube.
 4. Filter deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the at least one suspension feed line andthe at least one filtrate removal line are disposed in a central tubewhich is of multi-part construction.
 5. Filter device according to claim1, wherein a plurality of suspension feed lines and suspension removallines are associated with each of the at least one filtering means in anapproximately uniformly distributed manner, wherein the number of theplurality of suspension feed lines may differ from the number of theplurality of suspension removal lines.
 6. Filter device according toclaim 5, wherein the plurality of suspension feed lines and/or theplurality of suspension removal lines are disposed at different levelsof the vessel.
 7. Filter device according to claim 1, wherein the atleast one suspension feed line is at least one of a nozzle, a point-typenozzle, a flat nozzle, and a nozzle with at least one of a mobile and arotating jet and a Venturi nozzle.
 8. Filter device according to claim1, wherein the vessel wall comprises indentations, so that the flowingsuspension can be deflected at these, wherein the indentations arerounded.
 9. Filter device according to claim 1, wherein the vesselfurther comprises a central tube having indentations, so that theflowing suspension can be deflected at these, wherein the indentationsare rounded.
 10. Filter device according to claim 1, wherein the atleast one suspension feed line is disposed at a left- and/or right-handtangent, in particular that both left- and right-hand tangentialsuspension feed lines are provided in the filter device.
 11. Filterdevice according to claim 1, wherein the suspension removal line isdisposed at a left- and/or right-hand tangent, in particular that bothleft- and right-hand tangential suspension removal lines are provided inthe filter device.
 12. Filter device according to claim 1, furthercomprising at least one rotating body, which is in the form of at leastone of a disc, ring, ball, pyramid and cuboid and can be moved by theflow of the suspension, is provided between two filtering means. 13.Filter device according to claim 1, further comprising an agitatormember, which can be driven by the flow of the suspension, providedbetween two of the at least one filtering means, wherein the agitatormember is in the form of at least one of a blade, a strip and a brush.14. Filter device according to claim 13, wherein the agitator member ismounted centrally, mounted at the circumference of the vessel or isfreely suspended.
 15. Filter device according to claim 1, furthercomprising individual filter modules, wherein each filter modulecomprises at least one suspension feed line, one suspension removalline, one filtering means and one filtrate removal line in each case,wherein the suspension feed lines and/or the suspension removal lines oftandem-disposed modules can be connected by at least one suspensioncollection feed line and/or at least one suspension collection removalline.
 16. Filter device according to claim 1, further comprising aplurality of filtering means or filtering means packs disposedconcentrically about the major axis of the filter vessel, whichplurality of filtering means or filtering means packs and can beoperated in parallel or sequentially, and/or with different porosities.17. Filter device according to claim 1, further comprising two vesselcompartments, which compartments are separated from one another by apartition comprising perforations, wherein a flow circulation can beproduced in each vessel compartment by the suspension flowing into theparticular vessel compartment.
 18. Filter device according to claim 1,further comprising a central tube which is or comprises a filtrateremoval line and/or which is or comprises a suspension feed line and/orwhich is or comprises a suspension removal line, and that an oscillationgenerator is disposed in the central tube, wherein the oscillationgenerator generates an oscillation of 30-80 Hz.
 19. Filter deviceaccording to claim 18, further comprising at least one inflow partdisposed around the central tube between at least two of the at leastone filtering means, wherein this comprises an annular bearing andprolongations with a suspension feed line and corresponding openings, sothat the suspension can be routed over the surface of the at least onefiltering means.
 20. Filter device according to claim 1, wherein thevessel can be supplied with gas via a gas supply line, wherein the gascan be supplied temporarily, in at least one of intervals andcontinuously.
 21. Filter device according to claim 1, further comprisinga guide ring around the at least one filtering means disposed to form afiltering means pack, wherein transmembrane pressure can be produced byunderpressure.
 22. Filtering means, comprising an internal base body,via which a filtrate is removed towards a filtrate removal line, and ascreen or a membrane, mounted thereabove, through which the filtrationprocess takes place, wherein at least one of a surface and edge of thefiltering means is at least partly profiled, wherein if the edge ispartly profiled it is in an undulatory manner.
 23. Filtering meansaccording to claim 22, wherein the profiling is applied such that asuspension can be directed from a center of the filtering means to theedge of the filtering means.
 24. Filtering means according to claim 22,wherein the profiling is applied such that a suspension can be directedfrom the edge of the filtering means to a center of the filtering means.25. Filtration method carried out in a filter device, the filter devicecomprising a vessel comprising at least one suspension feed line and onesuspension removal line in each case, at least one filtrate removal lineand at least one filtering means disposed in a stationary manner,comprising the step of: allowing a suspension to flow into the filterdevice tangentially under pressure and through a plurality of uniformlydistributed suspension feed lines onto the filtering means. 26.Filtration method according to claim 25, further comprising a backwashstep following the allowing step, in which the vessel is supplied viathe filtrate removal line with liquid and/or gas, the liquid and/or gasbeing at least one of the suspension and filtrate.
 27. Filtration methodaccording to claim 25, wherein the suspension flows in at varyingpressures, in particular that the pressures vary at intervals. 28.Filter device according to claim 20, wherein the gas is air.